Resources for Vancouver’s Elderly Community

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Members of the elder community in Vancouver face issues that don’t affect the younger members of the population. They may have more trouble performing daily tasks, such as buying groceries, cooking food or caring for their homes. They may also struggle with loneliness or inactivity because of a limited social network. Fortunately, a large number of programs and organizations in the Vancouver area dedicate themselves to providing elders with the services they need to lead full, productive lives. Some of these services also exist to provide medical care, as well as to prevent members of the elder community from becoming victims of fraud or abuse.

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Clubs, Groups, Social Meetups

People of all ages need to be able to form friendships and interact with peers. However, for the elder community, it can be difficult to find opportunities for social interaction. Clubs, groups, and meetups in the Vancouver area allow the elderly a chance to meet other members of the community and develop a strong social network.

Companion Programs

Many elderly people feel lonely, either because they cannot leave their homes or because their families and friends aren’t able to spend much time with them. Companion programs ensure that members of the elder community are able to spend time with caring individuals so they can feel less lonely on a daily basis.

Drug and Alcohol Abuse Assistance

Like members of all populations, elders are at risk of developing drug and alcohol abuse disorders. Perhaps the most common type of drug abuse among elders is the abuse of prescription drugs, which usually begins after the elder receives a prescription from a doctor. Regardless of the issue, professional treatment can help elders successfully overcome their addiction.

Elder Abuse Prevention

Millions of elders are subjected to abuse every year, leading to health risks and a lower quality of life. Elder abuse can take many different forms, including exploitation, neglect, sexual abuse, physical abuse and more. A variety of organizations in the city of Vancouver work to prevent abuse among the elderly.

Elderly Activities

Remaining active is one of the best ways for members of the elder community to maintain their health and maximize their quality of life. Vancouver offers a wide variety of activities designed specifically to help the elderly make friends, fill their time and stay as active as possible as they age.

Elderly Exercise Classes

Engaging in regular exercise is beneficial for people of all ages, but staying in shape is especially important for members of the elder community. However, because of their aging bodies, the elderly often need to participate in specialized types of exercise. Several elderly exercise classes are available to elders throughout Vancouver.

Food and Nutrition Programs

Proper nutrition is important at every age. However, members of the elder community may not always be getting the nutrition they need for a variety of reasons. In addition, the aging process and/or the presence of chronic conditions may create special nutritional needs among members of this community. Food and nutrition programs in Vancouver exist to make sure elders are eating right.

Fraud Abuse Assistance

Members of the elder community are often more vulnerable to fraud than younger individuals. Because of their age, limited resources or impaired understanding, the elderly are likely to be targeted by criminals who want to take advantage of them. Several organizations in the Vancouver area provide assistance to elders who have been victims of fraud.

Grocery Shopping Services/Assistance

Many elders find it difficult to get the food they need for their homes, either because they are physically unable to grocery shop or because they lack transportation. A variety of programs in the Vancouver area offer grocery shopping services or assistance to elders who fall into this category. These programs may deliver groceries, or they may simply send someone to accompany the elder to the store.

Heating and Energy Assistance

Vancouver winters can be cold, and having heat is essential. Unfortunately, elders with limited resources may not be able to pay their energy bills in full each month, leading them to lose service. Heating and energy assistance programs exist to make sure that all elders are able to heat their homes and stay safe.

Home Delivered Meals

In many cases, the elderly aren’t able to cook for themselves at home. If family and friends are unable to bring food to these individuals, they may go without or end up eating pre-packaged foods that lack proper nutrition. Home delivered meals ensure that members of the elder community have access to nutritious, home-cooked foods.

Homemaker Assistance

As an individual ages, he or she may find it increasingly more difficult to live alone and care for a home. However, in many cases, these individuals do not need full-time care or supervision. Homemaker assistance programs allow elderly individuals in Vancouver to maintain as much of their independence as possible while still getting the assistance they need.

In-Home Care

In some cases, members of the elder community may require assistance on a daily basis, but they may not be ill or disabled enough to warrant spending time in a hospital or long-term care facility. In-home care programs send professionals to the elder’s home to provide the care he or she needs while allowing the individual to remain in a comfortable environment.

Legal Aid

Whether they are applying for government assistance or filing a personal injury claim, members of the elder community sometimes require assistance from an attorney. Unfortunately, paying for legal representation is often difficult for elders with limited financial resources. Legal aid offers legal services to the elderly for free or at more affordable prices.

Long-Term Care

When an elder has a chronic illness or disability, long-term care may be required. The purpose of long-term care is to meet the individual’s medical and hygienic needs so that he or she can enjoy the best quality of life possible. Long-term care may be provided at home, or it may be provided in a specialized long-term care facility.

Mental Healthcare

Mental health is important at any age, but members of the elder community may be at a higher risk of certain issues, such as depression. When an elder is struggling with a mental health problem, getting the proper treatment is essential. Elders in Vancouver have access to mental healthcare services from a variety of organizations.

Prescription Medication Assistance

Most members of the elder community are on at least one type of prescription medication. The costs of these medications can be high in many cases, even with insurance coverage. However, without these prescriptions, elders can face serious health risks. Prescription medication assistance programs provide help to elders who can’t afford their medications.

Senior Employment

Finding gainful employment provides elders with a source of income, as well as a better quality of life and improved self-esteem. However, many elders have difficulty finding an appropriate job. Senior employment services in Vancouver exist to help members of the elder community to find jobs that are appropriate for their needs.

Short-Term Care

Certain illnesses and injuries are not severe or long-lasting enough to require long-term care, but they cannot be managed without some form of assistance. Short-term care provides the level of care needed on a temporary basis. Short-term care may be provided in a residential facility or in the elder’s home, depending on the circumstances.

Transportation Assistance

In many cases, elders have trouble getting from place-to-place because they are unable to drive or take public transportation on their own. Transportation assistance programs exist to make sure that elders in Vancouver are able to get to doctor’s appointments, the grocery store and other places they need to go.

Veteran Assistance Services

Veterans face a number of unique challenges that other members of the elder community may not face. In addition, to thank them for their services, many organizations offer assistance designed specifically for veterans. Vancouver is home to a variety of programs designed to provide services to veterans living in the area.

Veteran Discountsa

As a way of thanking veterans for their service to the country, a variety of organizations and companies in the Vancouver area offer special discounts to former members of the military. These discounts may apply to food, services, tickets to events and much more. Veteran discounts can be especially beneficial to elders with limited resources.